Purpose
The VTDI was developed as a strategic tool to evaluate and enhance the performance of Vietnam’s tourism sector at the provincial level. It serves two key purposes:
- Improving Global Competitiveness: Supporting Vietnam in narrowing the gap with leading tourism destinations worldwide and elevating its position in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI).
- Localized Development Monitoring: Providing provinces with actionable insights to improve tourism policies, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, thus contributing to sustainable development goals (SDGs).
By leveraging the VTDI, tourism authorities can focus on improving infrastructure, policy frameworks, resource management, and cultural and natural preservation while fostering sustainable growth across the country.
Development and evolution
The Vietnam Tourism Development Index (VTDI) originated in 2019 and was inspired by the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI). Initially piloted in five provinces with European Union support, the model expanded to 15 provinces in 2021. In 2023, the ST4SD project facilitated its implementation across 30 provinces, representing a significant milestone in its progression.
The transition from the Vietnam Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (VTCI) to the VTDI marks a shift toward a broader, more inclusive approach to tourism development, aligning with the WEF’s evolution from TTCI to TTDI.
The Tourism Advisory Board and the Private Sector Development Committee IV played pivotal roles in supporting the VTDI by developing indicators, engaging stakeholders, and disseminating results. Their expertise ensured the index’s credibility and alignment with Vietnam's strategic tourism objectives.
Methodology
The VTDI 2024 encompasses 17 pillars and 111 indicators across five key dimensions: enabling environment (business conditions, safety, health, human resources, and ICT readiness); T&T policy and enabling conditions (prioritization, data sharing, and price competitiveness); infrastructure and services (transportation, port infrastructure, and tourist services); T&T resources (natural, cultural, and non-leisure assets); and T&T sustainability (environmental, energy, socioeconomic, and demand sustainability). These indicators are tailored to global standards while addressing the unique needs of Vietnam's provinces.
Impact
The VTDI provides Vietnamese provinces with a comprehensive framework to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and foster sustainable tourism development. By benchmarking performance and sharing best practices, the VTDI can help provinces collaborate and innovate, driving improvements that elevate Vietnam’s global tourism standing.
Leveraging the VTDI as a continuous monitoring and evaluation tool will be critical. The VTDI is more than an index—it is a blueprint for the future of tourism development in Vietnam and its destinations.
Further information
Link to VTDI 2024 Results (original in Vietnamese – browser translation required)